Resistant Starch Foods Could Help You Burn More Calories

Resistant starch foods can help you burn more calories and nullify the need for dieting, says a new study from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center for Human Nutrition. The study, which involved 4,451 participants, found that those who ate the most carbohydrates were the slimmest, while those who ate the least carbohydrates were the heaviest.Resistant starch foods include bananas, potatoes, pasta, whole grain bread, oatmeal, barley, and brown rice. These foods are less digestible to the human body, which means that it is very hard to break them down. This leaves a person feeling full quickly. These foods can help blood-sugar control and lower cancer risk as well.Source-Medindia

 

 

Low-dose Aspirin Causes Small Bowel Injury

Low-dose acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) is widely used for the prevention of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. Mucosal breaks were caused due to low dosage of aspirin. These breaks occurred in the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract. Mechanism of drug induced small bowel damage may be due to decrease in blood flow.

A research article published on January 14, 2011 in the World Journal of Gastroenterology addresses this question. The authors investigated the relationship between low-dose ASA-induced small bowel mucosal damage and small bowel blood flow, and also evaluated the preventive effect of rebamipide against small bowel damage and the effect of rebamipide on blood flow. The results indicated that low-dose ASA-induced decrease in small bowel blood flow is correlated with small-bowel mucosal injury. Rebamipide does not decrease small bowel blood flow. This study may represent a future strategy for therapeutic intervention in the treatment of patients with low-dose aspirin-induced small bowel mucosal damage.

 

 Source-Eurekalert

 
 

HCG weight-loss products are fraudulent, FDA says

A popular type of weight-loss products, heavily promoted on the Internet, is fraudulent and illegal, Food and Drug Administration officials say.HCG weight-loss products that promise dramatic results and claim to be homeopathic are sold as drops, pellets and sprays on the Web, in drugstores and at General Nutrition Centers. They are supposed to be used in combination with a very low-calorie diet of 500 calories a day.Many of the labels indicate the products contain HCG, or human chorionic gonadotropin, a hormone made by the placenta during pregnancy. The hormone itself is approved as a prescription treatment for infertility and other conditions.There is no evidence the oral over-the-counter products are effective for weight loss, says Elizabeth Miller, FDA's leader for the Internet and health fraud team. While they may not be dangerous, they're at least "economic fraud," she says.Because the products do not seem to be "a serious direct health hazard or a serious indirect health hazard," they have been a lower priority for FDA action than other products. Still, Miller says, "they could be subject to enforcement at any time."One of the issues is the homeopathic label. Homeopathy is an alternative medicine practice of using very small or diluted preparations of medicines or remedies to treat a condition. Miller says, "We are aware of HCG products that claim to be homeopathic, but it is not recognized in the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia." Therefore, these products "are not recognized by the FDA as homeopathic drugs, so they are unapproved drugs and are illegal," she says.Miller says HCG began being used for weight loss in the 1950s when a British physician had a theory that it could help people on a near-starvation diet not feel hungry. "Since then, a lot of research and clinical trials debunked that theory."Samuel Klein of Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis agrees: "Data from most randomized controlled trials show that HCG is no better than placebo in achieving weight loss or reducing hunger."Stephen Barrett, a retired psychiatrist who operates quackwatch.org, says, "The bottom line is there is no reason to think the product works."Even experts in the supplement industry say the products aren't legal and don't work. Andrew Shao of the Council for Responsible Nutrition, an industry group, says HCG is "not considered a legal dietary ingredient and therefore cannot be sold as a dietary supplement. I am not aware of any scientific evidence that supports its use when taken orally."Because HCG is a peptide hormone, it would be broken down by the stomach and rendered ineffective, he says. He says the products are mostly sold over the Internet, so it's difficult to track sales.Kevin Wright, president of HCG Platinum, says his company made HCG products until about two months ago; it stopped because it found a formula that doesn't use the hormone. Some bottles of the HCG formula are still on store shelves, selling for about $70 an ounce.Many other companies are still selling HCG products, and there are weight-loss clinics that use the prescribed injectable hormone, he says.FDA's Miller also has concerns about injectable versions of HCG for weight loss. The drug is not approved for weight loss, she says. Dieters getting injections of the hormone from people who aren't licensed to do so run the risk of getting infections and can't be sure what product they're getting.

Source:USAToday

Antibiotic Use in Raising Food Animals.

(HealthNewsDigest.com) - Most medical doctors would agree that antibiotic drugs—which stave off bacterial infections from staph to salmonella to bacterial pneumonia—are among the most important tools in modern medicine. But public health advocates, environmentalists and even many doctors worry that our society’s overuse and misuse of antibiotics is making bacteria more resistant and thus limiting the effectiveness of these lifesaving drugs.

Bacterial resistance to our antibiotics simply means longer, more serious and more costly illnesses. The Alliance for the Prudent Use of Antibiotics, a nonprofit that conducts research around the world on antibiotic resistance, estimates that antibiotic resistance has been responsible for upwards of $16 billion annually in extra costs to the U.S. health care system in recent years. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers antibiotic resistance one of its top concerns.

While misuse of antibiotics for human health problems is definitely a concern—those with a valid need for antibiotics who don’t finish off their prescriptions, for example, could effectively help bacteria develop resistance and make it stronger for when it infects its next host—a larger issue is the misuse of antibiotics to treat the common cold and flu and other viral infections which do not involve bacteria. The more antibiotics we use willy-nilly, the faster bacteria will develop resistance, rendering many of the drugs modern medicine has come to rely on obsolete.Of even greater concern is the preponderance of antibiotics used down on the farm. “Antibiotics often are used on industrial farms not only to treat sick animals but also to offset [the health effects of] crowding and poor sanitation, as well as to spur animal growth,” reports the Pew Campaign on Human Health and Industrial Farming. Indeed, researchers estimate that up to 70 percent of all antibiotics sold in the U.S. are given to healthy food animals to artificially expedite their growth and compensate for the effects of unsanitary farm conditions. “The routine use of antibiotics in food animals presents a serious and growing threat to human health because it creates new strains of dangerous antibiotic-resistant bacteria,” says Pew.So what can we do to curtail the overuse and misuse of antibiotics? For one, we should not prescribe or use antibiotics to (mis)treat viral infections. Beyond being conscientious with our own bodies, we should also urge farmers to reduce their use of these drugs. Pew and other groups are trying to muster public support for the Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act (PAMTA, H.R. 1549/S. 619), which if enacted would withdraw from food animal production the routine use of seven classes of antibiotics vitally important to human health unless animals are diseased or drug companies can prove that their use does not harm human health. Hundreds of groups, including the American Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatricians, Infectious Diseases Society of America and World Health Organization support the legislation. Pew is urging concerned citizens to call their Representatives and Senators and advocate for pushing the legislation into committee hearings.
Source:HealthNewsDigest.

Development of Health System :Past and Present Scenario and right approach

Knowledge with evidence is Science.In present scenario lot of research and advancement has been seen in this field.Surgery is the best example of it, which develops with latest techniques and now the news of organ transplant is common. Anesthetic techniques are so advanced that surgery is now minimum invasive and least painful.Development is also seen in the field of general medicine.Range of antimicrobial drugs are example of this.In emergency management the science and techniques are excellent and really life saving.Now we can identify the genetic constitution of person which helps in identifying the gene responsible for this.Stem cell research is a land mark on these developments.But can we imagine that 1000 years back what was the approach of peoples to their Health.How they survive without these techniques?Were they live in noninfectious conditions?What techniques they apply for Surgery?Was their any anesthetic preparations?Many question arises at a single time and answer is little confusing.Different opinion ;some says the science is more developed in ancient era.Some says no no the peoples of that era were least scientific and uneducated hence they live like animals .Some says no the science is gradually developed and is now in this stage.But the truth is totally different.In different eras the human brain is working to fulfilling the needs for survival.If you read the Vedic science you will get the reply.Veda's are known as ancient Hindu scripture.Veda's are treasure of knowledge,in which how to live,how to save our planet,how to lead our life,how to keep our health fit and fine are mentioned.Ayurveda is a part of Atharvaveda, mentioned as science of life, in which every aspect of life is explained not only for human being but also for animals.In Ayurveda different surgical techniques are explained in Sushruta Samhita.Even their are references of plastic surgery.And the division of eight branches  of Ayurveda itself explains the scientific approach of peoples.Medicinal  part of  the treatment was so strong at that time that for unconscious Laxaman, Hanuman brings Sanjjevani Vati , a miraculous herb, smell of which is sufficient to cope from syncope.Patanjalee the great scholars develops the Yogic techniques for quality of life.Which connects the people by teaching theYama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahaar, Dhaarna, Dhyaan and Samaadhi i.e ASTANG YOGA.Purification techniques were so popular in form of Ayurvedic Panchakarma and Yogic Shadkarma.If we see the history of 18 th century,this is the developmental era for Homeopathy.Samuel Haniman was the name,who develops a treatment based on the concept of "SIMILUS"Means by increasing the potency of drug,the symptom like disease appears in the body.Now practiced throughout the world. It's true that time to time opposition is also coming,but i think this is for the betterment. There are many peoples who are living in rural  and tribal areas and treating many challenging cases.Even they are managing the fracture cases as i have seen in the tribal areas of Chattisgarh.In Kerala their are traditional Vaidya who are treating many incurable diseases through their traditional methods.Can we call all of them unscientific.No this not justice!The science with evidence is only scientific and others are unscientific is beyond the truth.If this is the reality then why failure of antimicrobial drug is seen now a days.Why Penicillin a wonder drug is a now untouchable among practitioner.Why there is not satisfactory answer for cancer like dreaded ailments.Why there is still not satisfactory answer for AIDS.That means something is lacking and still the system which we call scientific and modern is not complete.Hence what is the approach?We know that disease were present ancient era and they will create problem in different form in our coming generation with different name.Means the imagination of Disease free world is only a gossip.Then what is the approach?Approach should be positive by taking all the positive things  which improves the quality of life, should be acceptable to all.Either it came from any system of medicine.And focus should be given to strengthen the internal power as immunity to cope up from  different form of diseases in different period.Research should be continued and applied to all the systems,so their should be a proper coordination between all of them,which ultimately gives benefit to the mankind.

MD(Ayu).PGDip.in Yogic Sciences

Editor

AYUSH DARPAN   

US Senate and Assemly wiil open with Prayers in Sanskrit "OM"

Nevada State Senate and Nevada Assembly will open with ancient Hindu prayers on February 14 and 15 respectively in Carson City.Hindu statesman Rajan Zed will recite from Rig-Veda, the oldest scripture of the world still in common use, besides lines from Upanishads and Bhagavad-Gita (Song of the Lord), both ancient Hindu scriptures, in Sanskrit and then provide translation in English.Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, opened Las Vegas City Council meeting on January 19 and Sparks City Council on January 25 with ancient Sanskrit prayers. He also delivered the opening prayers in Clark County Board of Commissioners, Carson City Board of Supervisors, Henderson and Boulder City Councils in the recent past in Nevada.Rajan Zed plans to start and end the prayer with “Om”, the mystical syllable containing the universe, which in Hinduism is used to introduce and conclude religious work. Sanskrit is considered a sacred language in Hinduism and root language of all Indo-European languages.Zed has already delivered Hindu prayers in United States Senate in Washington DC; California Senate, New Mexico Senate, Arizona Senate, Arizona House of Representatives, Indianapolis Senate, Indianapolis House of Representatives, Colorado Senate, Colorado House of Representatives, Washington State Senate, Oregon Senate, Oregon House of Representatives, Utah Senate, Alaska Senate and Alaska House of Representatives; City Councils of Lincoln, Yuba City, Vacaville, Bakersfield, Modesto, Fresno, Visalia—all in California; Boise (Idaho) City Council; and Phoenix (Arizona) City Council. Most were the first Hindu prayers of these legislative bodies.Rajan Zed is one of the panelists for “On Faith”, a prestigious interactive conversation on religion produced by The Washington Post. He has been awarded “World Interfaith Leader Award” and is Senior Fellow and Religious Advisor to New York headquartered Foundation for Interreligious Diplomacy, Director of Interfaith Relations of Nevada Clergy Association, Spiritual Advisor to National Association of Interchurch & Interfaith Families, etc.With Lieutenant Governor Brian K. Krolicki as President, Nevada State Senate has 21 members. With John Oceguera as Speaker, Nevada Assembly has 42 members. Nevada, largest gold producer and 7th largest state, was admitted to USA in 1864. Nevada, also called "Silver State", is known for Las Vegas, Burning Man, Lake Tahoe, etc. Brian Sandoval is Governor.Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion adherents and moksh (liberation) is its ultimate goal.

Karnataka govt plans to start PG course in geriatric medicine

In response to a case filed in the high court, the state government on Monday said that a course in geriatric medicine would be starting from the next academic year in 10 medical colleges.Geriatrics is a sub-specialty of internal medicine, with a focus on the healthcare of elderly people.

Seeking Answers on Cancer

In my 16 years in the practice of traditional Chinese medicine, I have seen numerous cases of patients with various forms of cancer. In fact, most of the patients presenting with cancer came to me when they had, for all intents and purposes, been written off by their Western oncologists with the famous and grim line, "There is nothing left we can do, get your things in order and try to enjoy the time you have left." I am certain most practitioners have had similar experiences whether it be cancer or other very complex, chronic illnesses.During seven years of living and practicing in Coronado, Calif.,the loss of four patients to particularly virulent metastatic cancers propelled me into seeking answers for them and those that would come after them. I began seeking out as many seminars and knowledgeable sources to gather whatever information I could to better treat and assist these patients. It was a desperate search, and yet, frequently I came up with repetitive information and a lack of new research supporting effective therapeutic methods. I did not want to accept that there would be cases in which death is the only possible outcome, even though this is essentially a reality when working in any realm of medical practice. This struggle with a reality I did not want to accept perpetuated my search. Clearly, there is not always a solution for certain conditions or certain patients but my feeling that, with all the brilliance technology affords us, there had to be more that could be done for patients with chronic, immunologically based illnesses such as cancer.In my search for resources, Dr. Jeffrey Yuen was very inspiring. I attended several of his seminars at UCLA on cancer treatment utilizing TCM. He offered a great deal of information ranging from the biologically based therapeutics to the psycho-emotional approaches. He addressed which cancers were more responsive, and his herbal remedies and acupuncture point combinations were very innovative. According to his case studies, he had a great deal of success in treating many cancer patients, but also seemed to have a vast number of patients that seemed to slip beyond the capacity of what TCM could do for them. I employed quite a bit of Dr. Yuen's teaching into my own practice and did see positive changes with my patients. But yet, again and again, I would wind up encountering patients that seemed to have "tipped the balance" and were beyond help that I could offer them. In the time I was researching and studying different approaches, two family friends passed away from lymphoma and liver cancer.I continued my search.Finally, through another very brilliant doctor and his wife in New Rochelle, N.Y., I learned about some of the "alternatives to the alternatives." In their own practice, they employ treatment methods that are beyond the usual scope of oncological and Western practice. Ozone therapy, IV's of a multitude of substances including homeopathics and concentrated nutritional substances are commonplace in their office. They utilize many cutting edge treatments that most oncologists and Western doctors either disregard or turn a blind eye to. Dr. Chandler Clark who specializes in cardiology and internal medicine and his wife, Mariella Clark, who is a phlebotomist and doctor from Italy, have a practice loaded with patients like the ones that had been showing up in my practice for the past few years. They have patients traveling from the entire Eastern seaboard to come and see them. While they use unconventional methods, they also are firmly based in Western medicine. They carefully screen their patients and only recommend therapies to patients they know will benefit. They adhere to the Hippocratic oath of, first and foremost, doing no harm. That said, the majority of their patients find them through word of mouth, other cancer survivors, and through open minded physicians that know their methods work for so many patients. The majority of their patients suffer from advanced cancers, HIV, immune system problems, and other chronic illnesses.I was in their office and spoke with several patients. Each of them had their own story, their own personal battle with either cancer or other debilitating, severe conditions ranging from viral infections to Lyme disease, cancers and advanced diabetes. In each case, these patients had positive results from the treatments and were showing improvements in their labs and in the way they felt. Admittedly, walking in to the office and seeing patients lined up in comfy chairs with IV's flowing bags of medicinals into their arms, was a bit intimidating and unusual. But, after speaking with several patients, and observing the office staff and doctors, I was impressed at their knowledge. The constant stream of patients and their positive feedback indicated to me that they are doing something right.Mariella Clark told me that they utilize certain protocols that are allowed in the U.S., but that their therapeutic approaches are derived from much more extensively practiced methods from Europe. They learned these methods largely through a doctor in Germany that practices the most advanced, scientifically studied and proven methods in the treatment of cancer and immune dysfunction. The majority of these avenues are not yet allowed in the U.S., but they make use of the ones that are permitted. The Clarks shared information with me about the German clinic that developed the protocols they use and told me that in Germany there is a far greater breadth of treatment options since they are more open to these proven, scientifically studied approaches.Some of the methods used in Germany include IV's of many substances including herbal, nutritional and mineral agents, individualized vaccines, hyperthermia, stem cells, naturopathy, and immunological treatments. Mariella Clark explained how many of their own patients go there if there is not enough they can do to help them heal or improve. She emphatically expressed that the patients that go to the clinic in Germany return as if they were "raised from the dead."My fortune had it that Dr. Ursula Jacob was coming to the U.S. to do a series of lectures and to meet with other doctors and oncologists. Apparently many doctors in the states are interested in her work and treatments. She comes over to the states once or twice a year to share her findings and treatment methods, as well as to gather data regarding advances in treatment being made in the U.S.. There are several doctors that she currently collaborates with in the U.S..When the Clarks let me know that Dr. Jacob was coming to New York to do a lecture, I wanted to hear what was so different about her approach and why she was having so much success in treating cases that were apparently no longer treatable. In honoring my search for therapeutic methods that could help so many people, I made a point of attending her seminar.The seminar was the day before Thanksgiving, traffic on all sides, as I drove with one of my patients, who had just completed four months of chemotherapy and radiation. Dr. Jacob's lecture was held at the beautiful Wainwright House in Rye, N.Y.. Despite the holiday, the seminar was completely full, and Dr. Jacob began punctually. Jacob explained how 20 years ago, she began her own search for the best diagnostic centers and laboratories in order to develop the most sensitive detection methods for various cancers and immunological conditions. She was determined to find the state-of-the-art research and therapeutics, utilizing only scientifically proven approaches. She explained the basics of cancer and how the etiology is largely unknown or uncertain, while it could be due to stresses, chemicals, hematological diseases, neurological disorders, viral overloads that weaken the system, or various other conditions that have been linked to the turn over of the cancerous cells into a condition of cancer.She discussed how cancer requires inflammation to grow and spread, which it does prolifically once the process has initiated. Dr. Jacob was very clear in sharing that cancer cells travel through the blood, even at an early stage, and can be detected significantly before the person falls ill. At that stage, treatment is simple, but most people are never tested at that stage, since they do not realize yet that they are ill. She also stated that, after oncological treatment, certain tests should be employed to gauge whether or not the treatments effectively cleared the body of cancer. Treatment, according to Dr. Jacob, should not end after the last chemotherapy or radiation session. There must be continued care with other natural, dietary, and/or physical methods. In some cases, further treatment with chemotherapeutic agents may be indicated to ensure that a person has the greatest chance of survival and maintaining health. A great deal of the process of caring for patients with cancer or other difficult illnesses is doing the proper tests at the right time.Some of the testing methods Dr. Jacob uses include micro-tumor testing (CTC), chemo-sensitivity assays, and R and D and real time PCR testing. These tests are highly sensitive and can detect where the cancer resides. The chemo-sensitivity test ascertains which therapeutic agents the patient's body will tolerate and if the treatments they may have already undergone have been effective. She briefly discussed the Vogelstein Model of developing cancer cells, which was interesting.Dr. Jacob went over case study after case study of patients in Stage 4 of various types of cancer, all of which had been written off by their oncologists. She explained why the cases were so intricate and showed how, through genetic tests, the person had either healed or was still in danger of relapsing. There were so many cases that resembled the patients that I had treated, whose lives I watched sadly slip away, that were now alive and well through the treatments Dr. Jacob and her team employed. This was the first seminar or source of information that I felt had unlocked at least some of the answers to effective cancer treatment. Granted, not all cases of cancer can be cured at this time, but Dr. Jacob's work is proving itself time and time again. So, why are these methods not allowed or used in our country?The most intriguing aspect of the seminar was the discussion of the techniques Dr. Jacob and her team utilize to destroy the genetic information of the cancer within the patients' cells. Some of the most effective approaches they utilize are individualized vaccinations that can be targeted against the cancer cells (or other cellular dysfunctions), stem cells that can lead to cancer cell regression and vessel disruption that slows the progression and prevents the replication of the cancer cells and intravenous and intramuscular injection of a multitude of supportive and immune enhancing agents. Patients undergo intensive treatments while at the Alpen Klinik in Germany and the vast majority walk out with a new lease on life. While Dr. Jacob does not make promises to her patients, due to her very impressive rate of cancer eradication she appears to have a very firm grasp on medicinal approaches that will be more mainstream in the next decade.Of great interest to TCM practitioners, Dr. Jacob discussed the use of one of our commonly used Chinese medicinals, artemisia vulgaris. It is utilized in a very concentrated form and made into an IV solution called arteminisin. Scientists in Germany have been researching its use in cancer and certain viruses for years. It has been highly useful for adeno-cancers and even HIV. She also mentioned Catumaxomab that has been shown to be highly useful in forcing cancer cells to go into lysis, in which the cells dissolve. While this substance can be temporarily hard on the liver, and raises liver enzymes rather dramatically for a few days, it has been shown great promise for resistant cancers like stomach and pancreatic. Another product she recommended is called Haelan 951, which is concentrated and fermented soy. It has been studied and used in Japan for many years as well. This, if taken properly, has been shown to block the cancer's ability to reproduce by regulating P 53 (a cancer marker), and by boosting immunity.Dr. Jacob discussed the importance of having an alkaline body environment, and other products like melatonin, cat's claw, tumeric, and important antioxidants like selenium, vitamin C, etc. And, while we cannot provide the treatments Dr. Jacob does in Germany, we can derive some information from the cutting edge studies she sites and has access to. Many of the herbs she employs are being researched and proven to be very effective in cancer treatment. For practitioners of TCM, this knowledge is confirmation of our own studies, and is invaluable in how we can assist our own patients. For those that truly have few options, going to Germany could very well save their lives and give our medical system the push it needs to be open to treatments that are working, without relying solely on the pharmaceutical lobby.While these treatment methods are not practiced in our country yet, as practitioners, we must be aware of the options and the possibility of true hope we can offer our patients by introducing them to techniques that are beyond what any of their doctors would be offering them. Dr. Jacob's methods are not witchcraft, they are highly studied, researched and medically proven. Multitudes of people from the states and the world have already gone to her Alpen Klinik in Germany for treatment. In fact, a patient that had gone to Dr. Jacob for treatment for hepatitis C lives in my own community in California. She has been free of hepatitis C for four years now, and is thriving.In conclusion, it is the author's conviction that, as practitioners dealing with peoples' health and lives, it is our duty to have as much knowledge as possible and to be armed with information. If we cannot provide the care a patient may require to heal, we should have a Plan B for them, so that they may then decide for themselves whether it is a step they would want to take. Dr. Jacob and her highly specialized team of medical professionals have shown to be a referral point. After years of scouring medical articles, attending seminars and researching what works, Dr. Jacob has presented their medical model as one to follow. While no method is absolute, Dr. Jacob's approach has certainly stepped into the future and is attaining the results. I couldn't have found a better way of entering the Thanksgiving spirit - being thankful for knowledge that could save lives.

Courtesy:Stephanie Schneider is a licensed acupuncturist in California and New York. She recently completed her doctoral studies in Ayurvedic Medicine at AUCM in Los Angeles, Calif.. She studied in China and Vietnam and will be doing post-doctoral studies in India. She maintains a private practice in Calabasas, Calif. and Tuxedo Park, N.Y.

SOURCE:Accupunture Today

Europe Makes Health and Dental Tourism Easier

European travellers short of prescription drugs, or on waiting-lists for dental surgery at home, will be reimbursed for care anywhere in the EU by late 2013, under a law approved by European Union parliament.

It states that if there is an undue delay in receiving hospital or dental treatment, an EU citizen can seek that treatment abroad, pay for it and have the cost reimbursed at home.

When a hospital stay is required, the directive says health services can request prior authorization from doctors in the patient’s home country.

The prior authorization clause is intended as a safeguard against any unexpected surge in foreign patients.

There is a restricted list of possible reasons why such request would be refused, to include certain risks to the patient or the public.Patients on long waiting lists in their native countries, and those who are unable to find specialist attention, are expected to benefit from the new Directive.Currently just 1% of EU citizens seek health and dental treatment abroad, at a cost to national healthcare systems of 10 billion euros annually, and the Commission estimates that these costs will rise to no more than 30 million euros a year under the new Directive.

Liz Lynne, a Liberal Democrat MEP, commented “I think we have found the right balance between protecting national health systems and strengthening patients’ rights.”

But Ms Lynne insisted: “The new rules are not designed to encourage health or dental tourism. Patients are only entitled to reimbursement for treatment that their home health authority would normally provide – travel or hotel costs cannot be claimed back.

Under the new law, member states are to set up information centers offering patients data on treatment, providers and levels of reimbursement across the bloc.

Ayurveda hospitals still not enthused by NABH certification programme

Notwithstanding the presence of a large number of Ayurvedic hospitals in the country, the certification programme launched by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH) is yet to capture the attention of many, contrary to the rush of allopathic hospitals for accreditation. Out of the around 2,400 Ayurveda hospitals in the country, only one has got NABH certification so far.

Only one hospital has been given the certification while five others have applied for the same so far after almost a year into the scheme. “The applications are under various stages of evaluation while we are making all-out efforts to spread awareness among the Ayurveda hospitals as it is going to be an important tool to ascertain the quality of individual institutions,’’ said an official from the NABH.Bangalore-based AyurVAID Hospitals, recently, got the accreditation as the first to get it in the country. Moolchand Hospital, Delhi, Maharishi Ayurved Hospital, Delhi, Rajah Island Ayurvedic Hospital, Trichur, Kerala, Rajah Beach Ayurvedic Hospital, Trichur, Kerala, and Rajah Healthy Acres Ayurvedic Hospital, Palakad, Kerala have applied for the certification.However, compared to the response which NABH with a similar programme could make in the allopathic sector, the scheme did not make much impact so far with the Ayurveda sector. There are 2,400 Ayurveda hospitals in the country and only one has got it so far. In the case of allopathic hospitals, 63 got accreditation while nearly 400 have applied for the same after the certification programme was introduced five years back.“We are holding seminars, visits, and orientation programmes to encourage the ayurvedic hospitals to apply for the certification as the Indian streams of medicine are getting wider recognition across the globe and more patients are coming from abroad. The accreditation will remove some of the apprehensions among the foreign visitors about the quality of services by these traditional hospitals,’’ the NABH official said. The NABH, a constituent board of Quality Council of India (QCI), recently launched the “Accreditation for Ayush Hospitals” in association with the Dept of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare a few months back. The NABH accreditation for an Ayurveda hospital is a quality benchmark which ensures critical patient benefits - essentially, safety, efficacy of outcomes, and informed care. Source:Pharmabiz

Uttarakhand CM's AYUSH gram project hits roadblock

The land crunch appeared to have put a spanner in Uttarakhand Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank’s dream project to establish AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy) grams or villages in all the 13 districts of the hill state.An investment of Rs 650 crore is proposed in these AYUSH grams, which will have a hospital, a wellness centre, a hotel, a herbal garden, a yoga centre, a drug manufacturing unit and pharmacy among various other features.As of now, the government has been able to sign just one memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Kolkata-based Emami group last year for setting up the first ayush gram in Bhawali within the Nainital district.But after the signing of the MoU, there had been no progress because the land lease agreement with Emami has not been signed, the sources said.In addition to this, the government claimed to have identified land in Champawat and Pithoragarh districts for the establishment of these grams. However, the government is yet to get forest and environmental clearances in this regard.

In the rest of the 10 districts also, the government has been unable to identify land for this purpose. “We are trying our best to identify lands in the remaining districts,” said a government official.During the past few months, the Chief Minister, who has been closely monitoring various developmental projects, has told the concerned officials to search for land on top priority basis. However, there is hardly any success so far.The government is giving a total of 10 acres of the Bhawali sanatorium’s land for the purpose of developing the AYUSH gram.The key feature of these grams will be its herbal garden which would be setup at around 1,000-1,200 sq metre area will also have a specialised research centre to focus on the local herbs and medicinal plants. In the herbal garden, there will be a provision for training and skill development facilities for local people in order to create new employment and business opportunities. An innovative hospital complete with all the five features of AYUSH ie Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy would be established.According to government sources, an investment of Rs 50 crore is proposed with each AYUSH gram project.

Source:Business Standard

Yoga Boost metabolism

 Yoga is a great way to get creative and enjoy practicing yoga and it allows you to connect with your partner-physically and mentally. You can workout together with you spouse, friend or anyone else. What is great about working with a partner is that you can do the same pose at the same time, intertwine a pose to create a new pose or just support each other during a routine. Yoga also helps increase your strength because it allows you to use your partner's weight to increase resistance. It also helps you with proper alignment, balance and concentration. Besides, it great fun.
1. Chakrasana
Lie on your backs, bend your knees and place the feet flat on the floor. Press the feet into the floor for support, inhale and lift the hips up, rolling the spine off the floor. Place the palms underneath the shoulders and press and straighten the arms to lift the shoulders and head off the floor. Hold the position for 30 seconds.

Benefits: This asana strengthens and tones the muscles of the abdominal region and helps regulate the digestive function. It also acts as a natural stimulant for the thyroid and pituitary glands.

2. Sarvangasana

Lie on the mat and raise your hips and legs to a 90 degree angle. Make sure only your upper backs are in contact with the mat and hold hands for balance. Your legs should act as support for one another. Now, one of you can bend your knees to further stretch the hamstrings and support the other better.

Benefits: This asana helps you in cure ailments related to bronchitis, asthma, heavy breathing and shortness in breath. It also aids digestion.

3. Ekpadhalasana

Lie in a supine position on the mat. Hold hands for balance and raise your legs to a 90 degree angle. Make sure only your upper backs are in contact with the mat. Now that you legs are up, slowly bring your opposite towards the floor. Hold that position for 10 seconds, return to the starting position and repeat with the other leg.

Benefits: The Ekpadhalasana variation tones and strengthens your leg muscles, improves sense of balance and helps sharpen.

4. Matsyasana

Lie down in a supine position on the floor, keeping your forearms in place and puffing up your chest. Drop the crown of your head back to the floor to open your throat. Hold the position for 20 seconds. To come out, press into your forearms and raise your head off the mat.

Benefits: This asana is excellent for strengthening your lower back muscles, abdominal muscles and boosting the respiratory and digestive systems.

5. Bhujangasana

Place two mats on the floor and lie down in a prone position. Place your hands on the sides, just next to your chest, with your palms firmly pressed on the floor. Using your hands for support, slowly lift your torso off the ground and looking up to the ceiling. Feel the stretch in your back. Hold the position for 30 seconds.

Benefits: This move stretches the muscles in the shoulders, chest and the abdominal area. It also firms up and tones the buttocks while stimulating the organs in the abdomen.

Manage Your Mood With Yoga!

Are your moods erratic, unmanageable or constantly disproportionate to a situation? The many challenges of today's lifestyle seem to provoke mood swings for many of us, which can play havoc on our personal and professional relationships and even physical health. Whatever be the cause, the good news about mood mayhem is that it can be managed and controlled with the world's oldest form of exercise - Yoga.There's nothing to beat yoga for managing mood and anxiety disorders. These findings by Boston University School of Medicine researchers show a link between yoga, decreased anxiety and increased GABA (brain gamma-aminobutyric) levels.Low GABA levels are associated with depression and other widespread anxiety disorders, the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine reported. The researchers followed two randomised groups of healthy individuals over a 12-week period, according to a Boston University statement.One group practised yoga three times a week for an hour while the remaining subjects walked for the same period of time. Using magnetic resonance spectroscopic (MRS) imaging, the participants' brains were scanned before the study began.At week 12, the researchers compared the GABA levels of both groups before and after their final 60-minute session. Each subject was also asked to assess his or her psychological state at several points throughout the study.Those who practised yoga reported a more significant decrease in anxiety and greater improvements in mood than those who walked. 'Over time, positive changes in these reports were associated with climbing GABA levels,' said Chris Streeter, associate professor of psychiatry and neurology at Boston University School of Medicine who led the study. Streeter suggested that the practise of yoga be considered as a potential therapy for certain mental disorders.From boosting your mood to improving your sex life, yoga can help you all the way. So if you want to feel better, have more energy and perhaps even live longer...look no further than the nearest Yoga ashram or switch on the television to follow a Yoga guru’s instructions
Source:IANS

Constipation Risk High Among Kids Who Dislike Fruits, Veggies

Primary school children who don't like eating fruit and vegetables are 13 times more likely to develop functional constipation than children who do, scientists have said.Drinking less than 400ml of fluid a day also significantly increases the risk, according to the study.Moon Fai Chan, assistant professor at the National University of Singapore, teamed up with Yuk Ling Chan, from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, to study the diet and toileting habits of 383 children aged from 8 to 10 from a school in Hong Kong. 51 per cent were boys and children who were on regular medication or who paid regular hospital or clinic visits were excluded. 70 per cent of the children who took part in the study were 10-years-old, 22 per cent were 9 and eight per cent were 8. "A number of studies have suggested that functional constipation - which is due to dietary habits, environmental habits and psychosocial factors rather than a particular health problem - is getting worse among school-age children" Chan said. Key findings of the study included:  7 per cent of the children who took part suffered from functional constipation and there were clear dietary differences between the children who did and did not have problems. Girls were more likely to have functional constipation than boys and 9-year-olds were more likely to report problems.Children who only drank 200ml to 400ml of fluid a day were eight times more likely to experience problems than children who drank more. 

 

 

 

Unsafe Drugs- nimesulide, Cisapride, Phenylpropanolamine Banned

After several years of debate regarding the safety of nimesulide, cisapride and phenylpropanolamine (PPA) the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) Dr. Surinder Singh has finally decided to ban these three unsafe drugs. Since the adverse effects of these drugs outweigh the benefits the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) that had been examining the safety of the three drugs for several years has now recommended their withdrawal from the market.

Nimesulide was the most controversial among the three drugs. Many developed countries like US, Britain, Canada, Sweden, Denmark, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and other 168 countries had already banned these drugs. However it is freely sold in India by prominent pharmaceutical companies like Dr Reddy's, Panacea Biotech and several others. Cisapride, another unsafe drug was found to increase upper gastrointestinal tract motility. Due to its side effects even this drug is banned in many countries. The drug continued to remain in the market even though the possible dangerous side effects of the drug had been brought to the notice of the DCGI 10years back. PPA used in cold and cough remedies like D'Cold, Vicks Action-500, Wincold etc. is freely available in India. However it was banned in North America and Western Europe some years ago. The DTAB is now reviewing the use of Gatifloxacin, tegaserod and deanxit which have been banned in some of the developed countries. In the past diabetes drug Rosiglitazone and anti-obesity drug Rimonabant have been banned from the Indian markets.
This shows the need for stricter evaluation of safety and efficacy of any new drug before introducing it in the market. Source-Medindia

 
 
 

German Scientists Develop Robotic Arm That can Absorb High Impact Shocks

Scientists in Germany have created a new robotic arm that provides a similar freedom as experienced by a human arm and is also able to absorb high velocity impacts. Researchers from the Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics at the German Aerospace Center created the robotic arm that is very similar to the human arm and provides a movement freedom of 19 degrees, just one degree less than the human arm.It can also absorb high impact shocks such as being hit with a hammer or a baseball bat without any damage while the 38 tendons attached to it helps it to grasp an object better by monitoring the tension exerted by it on the arm. The new arm solves the major problem with the current generation of robotic arms that break down even if a small amount of pressure is exerted. 
 Source-Medindia

 

 

HERBAL TREATMENT AND REMEDY FOR YOUR WINTER

Winter maybe reminiscent of the holiday season and vacations, but it's also a season that many dread. Flu, hypothermia, dry skin and scalp, are all some of the most common winter woes. There are several factors like long nights, vitamin deficiencies, poor housing and of course the cold weather that can be blamed for all your winter worries. Here's help for people, looking for a side effect free treatment for their problems as Dr. Strande, who runs Simply Healing, a natural healing clinic discusses about Naturopathy."Naturopathy is a system of medicine that believes in curing the body by balancing the five elements of sun, water, air, sky and earth. Although not as quick as Allopathy, Naturopathy herbal treatment tends to uproot the disease completely. Another great advantage of this system is that it uses the forces of nature to cure you of your problems and hence is free from harmful side effects. It comprises of a range of modalities including nutritional herbal medicine, homeopathy, Reiki, diet counseling, physical therapy etc. which the Naturopath uses to help patients find a cure for their problems," says Dr. Strande. "Common winter problems like dry skin and scalp, flu, etc can be cured with the help of natural medicines including herbs, amino acids, minerals, and vitamins. Alternative medicines are still struggling to receive acceptance from the American general public. This could be attributed to the fact that a number of American drug companies dictate the market and influence public opinion. But things are gradually changing for the better as people are slowly realizing the importance of side effect free and permanent cures," he adds.
A typical naturopathy consultation requires the patient to answer many questions asked by the practitioner to establish a history of the problem and also possible complications that would arrive in the future. The Naturopath also performs an Iris analysis to check for problems and progress. So rather than suffer silently, it makes sense to find a cure through nature.

About Dr. Strande:Through his clinic Simply Healing, Dr. Aleksander Strande, helps several people find a permanent cure for their problems for over 20 years now.

Ayurveda the Science of Life :Interview of Tammy Davis

Good health is a choice starting with the desire to restore the well-being of a system and then maintain it with conscious choices.While conventional medicine is good for clearing symptoms and preventing illness, it can't always identify when a system is simply out of balance (pre-illness).This is where complimentary modalities shine such as Ayurveda, a traditional, natural medicine from India that's been practiced for over 5,000 years. I wanted to further my understanding, so I visited with Tizia O'Connor, an Ayurvedic practitioner, of AuroMesa in Arroyo Hondo. — Tammy Davis
Q: What is your practice's focus?

A: The main focus is working to release blocked energies from the system of a willing patient, in order to restore energy and clarity. In Ayurveda, energy blocks are also called doshas, meaning impurities. The sessions aim at removing stagnant energies and shifting insights towards a new paradigm encouraging mindful daily routines, a particular dietary protocol, herbs and right dharma (conscious choices).

Q: What is your client base?

A: I encourage everyone to come. My patients come up from Taos or travel from such places as India and France.

Q: What do you typically treat?

A: People with a will to raise their biological and conscious self to greater heights; by detoxifying and rejuvenating the system we can treat many problems such as: weight loss, anti-aging, cholesterol, stress, thyroid problems, energy and strength, total detoxification, depression, stomach problems, blood pressure, sleep and diet, arthritis, addiction recovery, joint and muscle pain, diabetes, digestion, beauty therapy rejuvenation, celiac disease, etc..

Q: What was your reason for getting into the field?

A: As a child I wanted to be a nurse, then I preferred to go toward more nurturing holistic approaches and studied homeopathy and macrobiotics for a few years. Twenty years ago my daughter was born and I was introduced to a stupendously tender and loving Ayurvedic massage. That is when I decided to return to the most comprehensive and ancient system of health care.

Q: What is your position as far as how "we" manage our health care?

A: Health care means caring for your health. Northern America has deeply betrayed herself on the health care plan. We need to learn how to care for ourselves as much as possible and Ayurveda offers such a help.

Q: How well does Ayurveda compliment other modalities?

A: If there is an acute or emergency situation, conventional medicine can be of great help. Ayurveda wants to work with conventional medicine rejuvenating the body after treatments or prevent disease. Conventional medicine springs from Ayurveda; 5,000 years ago, Ayurveda developed an eightbranch system of health care. Surgery, psychiatrics, obstetrics, sexology, enterology etc. ... all come from the most ancient medicine: Ayurveda, which means the science of life.

Q : As you know, January is typically when many people resolve to take better care of their health. What recommendations do you have for including Ayurveda as a part of our "health care reform" for 2011?A: The "right dharma" is a very important component of health. "Right" conscious living certainly strengthens our relationship with ourselves as well as our lovely planet. Additionally, there are many ways to sustain our health with diet, plants and daily routines all of which play an important role in health care. Please come and join my Ayurvedic presentations this coming spring. 

*Tammy Davis, of Taos, is an advocate for Integrative Health care, aromatherapist, and researcher.

Source:Tao News

Eating at the TV Only Makes You Hungrier Later

A new research has found that eating while watching TV can cause hunger later on, which could make one more likely to indulge in late-night snacks. The study conducted on young women found that those who ate while watching television packed away more calories later in the day, reports the Daily Mail.It is thought that being able to remember what we have eaten is key to feeling full. And if distractions stop us from forming those memories, we eat more later on. Researchers from Macquarie University in Sydney looked at the effect of TV viewing on a group of young women of normal weight. They were given 20 minutes to consume as much chocolate, crisps and cola as they wanted. Half ate the junk food while watching TV, the others sat quietly as they ate their fill. Later on, both groups were sat down to eat sandwiches, biscuits, crackers and dip.Those who had watched TV earlier packed away 50 percent more calories than the other women. When the women were then asked how much they had eaten at the start of the experiment, those who had not been watching TV were better at remembering.This, say the researchers, could help explain the results, with an accurate memory of what we have eaten crucial to feeling full."It may be that TV makes it harder to attend to interceptive signals, harder to attend to how much is being eaten, harder to consolidate memories of food intake and harder to recall them during a meal," the authors said. The findings were reported in the journal Applied Cognitive Psychology. 

Source-ANI

  

 

 

 

 
 

Camp for haemophiliacs starts today

A four-day haemophilia rehabilitation camp will be organized by the women's group of Haemophilia Society of Davanagere at Kondajji village starting from Wednesday with the aim of motivating haemophiliac youth and their parents so as to get them to modify their lifestyles. Besides providing alternative medicines for their health issues like digestive disorders, experts will offer career guidance by , said Kiruvadi Girijamma, Meera Anagawadi and Dr Kruthi, co-ordinators of the camp. Dr Neetu Jain, a naturopathy expert from PIYAS, Bangalore along with Dr Meghana Kamath, reiki expert from Kolhapur, Dr Asha Doddikoppad, a Bangalore-based physiotherapist and Soma Shekhar, a career guidance expert will provide inputs and training in their own fields for the haemophiliacs, they said. Generally,haemophiliacs begin to bleed when they are stressed. This happens during exams.Yoga, physiotherapy, nature cure, along with entertainment, recreation, games and some cultural events will also be conducted during the camp, so as to over come such problems, they said. 
Source:TNN




 

ASI Competes for New Guinness World Record in Twisting

 On Monday, 24 th Jan 2011,nearly 2,000 people went round and round and up and down dancing the twist in a Guinness World Record-breaking attempt that benefited the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation International.

The Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) hosted the world's biggest dance party at its national trade show at theOrange CountyConvention Center inOrlando. Chart-topper Joey Dee led the crowd in twisting to his signature song, "Peppermint Twist."Guinness World Records officials will audit the event and determine within two weeks if the record was broken. The Peppermint Twist-off needs to break the previous world record of 1,692 people dancing.Sydney and Mackenzie Cohn,Philadelphiasisters who were diagnosed with juvenile diabetes at age 7, co-chaired the twist-off. Over the past four years the girls have raised over a million dollars for the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation International. Monday, their efforts raised thousands more."We're so happy so many people turned out to dance with us and to learn about the importance of research into our disease," saidSydney Cohn, age 11. "We had so much fun," saidMackenzie Cohn, age 9. "The twist is really cool!""I thought I'd break a leg but I got out there and danced the twist – something I haven't done since the '60s," said ASI President and Chief Executive OfficerTimothy M. Andrews. "It's a great feeling doing something that's so much fun – and means so much. ASI is delighted to help raise money toward such an important cause. Like the song says, we went bop shoo-op, a bop bop shoo-op, round and round and up and down."





Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body's immune system attacks and destroys certain cells in the pancreas, an organ about the size of a hand that is located behind the lower part of the stomach. People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin in order to stay alive. Type 1 diabetes is generally diagnosed in children, teenagers or young adults. Scientists do not yet know exactly what causes the disease. While progress toward finding a cure has been substantial, there is still no cure for diabetes. As many as 3 million Americans may have the disease and each year, more than 15,000 children and 15,000 adults – approximately 80 people per day – are diagnosed in the U.S.

SOURCE Advertising Specialty Institute

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A Long Survival

104-year-old Sagarbai Bakshi has survived two breast cancer surgeries, osteoporosis, anaemia, asthma, hypertension, weak lungs, and recently has come through a difficult bone surgery. Early this month she slipped and fractured her leg. Her orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. H.R.Jhunjhunwala said that her right femoral bone had broken into four pieces. "We had to put in three screws and a plate just above her knee joint so that she could get her mobility back."Her age and medical history did not allow the doctors to administer a proper anesthesia dose. They had to keep her conscious during the surgery, so a spinal anesthesia was given which makes the lower half of the body numb, and the surgery had to be completed within 45 minutes which is all they had as the anesthesia’s effect lasts only that long. Her asthma and anaemia also had to be dealt with for the surgery to be successful. Sagarbai had gone through two surgeries for breast cancer in the past ten years and when asked her age she seems to be proud of her long survival. Although there are no close relatives she has her old students to visit her. Sushila Jain, her 73-year old niece who looks after her, understands her old aunt’s desire for independence.  “I don't like being bed-ridden. I just want to be able to walk on my own," she says.Well, Sagarbai Bakshi has her doctors to thank, for helping her to do just that. 
Courtesy:MedIndia



 

 

Threats by Extortionists Force Many Doctors to Flee Pakistan

A recent report has revealed that medical professionals in Pakistan are facing death threats from extortionists on a regular basis, if they did not meet their demands. In recent months, nearly 10 medics have lost their life in target killings in the country. Nearly 50 medicos have gone into hiding following such threats to their lives. According to data, 85 Doctors have been shot dead in targeted attacks in Pakistan since 2000.The Pakistan Medical Association has revealed that it has received many reports about doctors shutting down their clinics and escaping from the place.
"It is not a very good situation for those belonging to the medical profession because doctors need security and peace of mind to work in their profession," Habib Soomro a PMA official said. "They are 50 or more such doctors who fearing for their lives at the hands of gangsters are running from pillar to post for protection," Soomro said. Source-Medindia

 
 

 

Study: Yoga Healthier Than Once Thought

Yoga may even better for your health than once thought, according to new research from the Harvard Medical School.Researchers found yoga can help people suffering from a wide range of health problems, including back pain, chronic headaches, sleeplessness and obesity.Experts said the benefits stem from yoga's focus on the connection between mind and body.

Source:Atlanta News

Life Transition: TV Journalist - To Natural Healer

She's spent 25 years as a well-known television journalist - hunting down dodgy traders on Fair Go, chasing the big news stories as part of the 60 Minutes team, making documentaries on topics like the Steven Wallace shooting or the Tuhoe police raids.But now Kim Webby is taking on one of her hardest tasks to date: training as a naturopath.Kim has just completed the first year of a three-year naturopathic degree and says going back to studying and writing hardcore academic papers has been a slog."But it's an incredibly fascinating journey," she says, adding the 23 fellow natural health students in her class at Wellpark College of Natural Therapies have become an incredibly tight team."Everything we learn about the body is so interesting ... it's like there are little miracles happening inside of us all the time."Over the summer break Kim is taking her fledgling healing skills to a remote corner of Sumatra to do voluntary work with a New Zealand doctor."We are going to a remote island off Northern Sumatra to work with New Zealand doctor Derek Allan," Kim explains. Derek is the sole doctor to around 60,000 people on surrounding islands where developing country health issues like gastroenteritis, dengue fever, malaria, leprosy, typhoid are paramount.Travelling with Kim is a fellow Wellpark student (a trained nurse) and the two women will help teach hygiene and health topics to the locals.Kim, who still files regular documentary pieces, says she initially felt the call of training as a healer as a school leaver. Her mother, a public health nurse in the Bay of Plenty, had been undertaking naturopathy papers when Kim was young."But I was good at English at school and the guidance counsellor pointed me toward journalism," says Kim. After training at the then Auckland Technical Institute, Kim began at TVNZ as a researcher and soon became a staff journalist."When I was 39 I took off overseas for six months and when I came back I again thought about naturopathy; but I got a couple of media jobs and that led to more and I was soon back on the treadmill."Kim again felt the pull of a healing career when covering the plight of the former Whakatane saw millers - who have been struggling to have their dioxin poisoning recognised by government for 28 years."Many of them have turned to other forms of healing like rongoa-type things to get help. Covering that story made me feel that I wanted to be able to do more than just report on the issue," says Kim.As part of a medical humanities paper for her Wellpark degree, Kim wrote a dissertation on the Whakatane situation. It was so welcomed by SWAP (Sawmill Workers Against Poisons) that it has already been forwarded to government officials working on the issue.Kim says that over the past five years the desire to know more about natural healing has grown from an intention into a real compulsion.She investigated different training institutes, worked to put some money aside to cushion her years of study and enrolled at Wellpark because she liked the friendly atmosphere and stringent NZQA naturopathic degree ."And it's also just around the corner from where I live in Westmere."Her classmates range in age from 23 through to mid 60s. "I'll still be keeping my hand in with media work," she says, "I've done two documentaries this year and already have one underway for next year."Of Chinese and Paheka descent with affiliations to Tuhoe, Kim says in the big picture she'd like to work as a naturopath for Maori health clinics and combine this with her current affairs and directing roles.In the future she also sees herself living part of the year overseas working with indigenous groups in developing countries that are unable to access medical care - particularly in the South East Asia region. Kim says indigenous people already have that holistic health perspective that she is currently studying.In preparing for her Sumatra trip, Kim was packing homeopathic remedies, essential oils and vitamins.

Source:Voxy News